FBI Helps Up The Reward To $27,000 In Hanover Gas Station Murder

HANOVER, Md. (WJZ)— Authorities are upping the ante as they try to catch the killer who gunned down a gas station clerk without any warning.

Derek Valcourt explains there’s now a hefty reward for information that leads to an arrest.

A photo shows gas station clerk Rajinder Kumar leaning on the counter, unaware the man walking through the door was about to pull the trigger without saying a word. The killer stepped over Kumar’s body, stole money and ran out of the store.

With few leads to go on, authorities are now releasing new enhanced photos showing the clothes the suspect was wearing and even close-up shots of his gloves and gun. The FBI now working the case is contributing $20,000 in reward money.

Enhanced close up of gun and gloves used by the suspect in the Hanover Exxon murder.

“We need to stop this man before he strikes again, before another innocent person is killed or injured,” said Steve Bogt, FBI.

In an effort to help police, Anne Arundel County Muslim Council contributed another $5,000 in reward money.

“They are working hard to protect us and it is our job to protect them,” said Riaz Ahmad.

The victim was not Muslim. He’s from India, where his devastated family desperately wants his body returned. Gas station owner Nabeel Malik says he’s trying to raise the $7,000 needed to make it happen.

“I assured them that if they are not able to come up with the money, I will pay the money out of my pocket and make sure they get the body,” Malik said.

For now, police are tracking leads and hoping someone who recognizes this killer by his walk or his clothes does the right thing.

As the hunt for clues continues, a vigil is planned at the gas station Monday at 6 p.m. to honor the victim, a man who was sending his money home to help pay for the education of his two college-aged kids.

Anyone with information is urged to call Anne Arundel County police at 410-222-8610.